What are shingles?

Shingles : Shingles is a re-emergence of a the chicken pox virus. It pops up along a single nerve and creates a painful, red rash that is often in a line (along the course of the nerve). The rash usually has yellow bubbles (vesicles) surrounded by redness. There are meds to make it go away quicker and prevent chronic pain in the affected nerve. There is also a vaccine if you are over 55.

Shingles: Shingles is a viral illness that is caused by varicella-zoster virus (which also causes chickenpox). Shingles can cause fairly dramatic pain which is followed within a few days by a rash. It usually appears in a particular location on one side of the body. The rash burns intensely, itches & is made up blisters that open up & crust over. A person could also have a fever, chills & headache.